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The Mid-Century style has been in high demand over the past few years, and although rustic styles are on the rise, it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.

If you want to design a modern living room, but don’t want your home to look like everyone else’s, don’t fret. It’s not all tapered legs and Eames lounge chairs! There are so many ways to bring a mid-century style to life and still keep your space looking unique to you.

Need help designing your modern living room? Start a Modsy design project and see your exact room in one of our mid-century style collections, all through the magic of 3D!

To help get your creativity flowing, we’re taking a closer look at our favorite mid-century styles. In this post, we’re breaking down 5 ways to work a mid-century style and bring the modern living room of your dreams to life!

Mod Visionary

Always a crowd-pleaser, Mod Visionary is our most popular mid-century style – and it’s our most-popular look overall, too! And it’s easy to see why – Mod Visionary takes the trendy mid-century style we know so well, and makes it approachable, comfortable, and never out-of-date.

The Key Elements

To bring this modern living room look to life, let mid-century shapes mingle with modern finishes and fabrics. Imagine brassy and silver metals, velvets and linens, and natural woods in all hues together in one space.

Opt for a minimal approach to styling with the Mod Visionary look. This will keep your space trendy, but never on-trend (or out of style, in a few month’s time). Don’t be afraid to embrace a clean, pared-down vibe. This will help your core pieces shine and give your space the Marie Kondo stamp of approval.

It’s Perfect If You…

Dig a retro look almost as much as you crave a clean space. If you thrive in spaces that feel trendy, are easy to keep tidy, and are anything but uncomfortable, Mod Visionary might be the style for you!

Modern Rustic

A modern living room that’s also rustic? Sounds way too good to be true. But, spoiler alert, it’s not!

We love mixing styles, so why not play with two of the most popular ones in the same room? That’s right, a look that blends both mid-century and rustic design influences, Modern Rustic is a real thing!

The Key Elements

Expect rooms that unite all of your favorite things together in one beautiful design. Think retro shapes reimagined in rustic materials – like a mid-century style sofa upholstered in a vintage leather.

Look for pieces with Mid-Century influence that show off what they’re made of – literally. Pieces where the materials do the talking are your best bets for bringing this look to life! Look for unfinished woods, raw metals, natural fibers, and leathers and cowhides.

It’s Perfect If You…

Want a modern living room that feels a bit warmer and less “straight off the set of Mad Men.”

A slightly more masculine approach to the Mid-century style, this look is also a great way to find a decor compromise if you and your S.O. can’t agree on the same style.

Mod Enthusiast

But what if you actually do want a modern living room that looks like it could be “straight off the set of Mad Men (or Frasier)?” If that sentence got your attention, than you’ve come to the right place!

Meet Mod Enthusiast – a mid-century style that packs a classic punch. This look lets you bring the pure essence of Mid-Century Modern home in a livable way.

The Key Elements

In these rooms you’ll find iconic mid-century shapes styled alongside more contemporary pieces that embody the design elements of the era. Imagine your Eames lounge chair styled next to a contemporary side table and bookcase.

Look for organic shapes, natural materials, and a bright palette of earthy hues to bring this look to life!

It’s Perfect If You…

Never pass up a piece of furniture with tapered legs. That, and if your grandmother’s 50s era living room gives you a mega dose of nostalgia, the Mod Enthusiast look might be the mid-century style for you.

Mod Collector

The the thought of a predictably mid-century living room makes you snore, we’d love to introduce you to Mod Collector. An edgier take on a mid-century style, this look is a more masculine and eclectic approach to the modern trend.

The Key Elements

Mid-century inspired pieces rendered in dark finishes mixed together with leather and hints of warm and metals make up this style. Steer clear of color, and opt for a refined, neutral palette instead.

But don’t confuse neutral with boring! What this mid-century style lacks in bright hues it makes up with a bold approach to texture. Look for accents in natural materials that add texture to your space – a chunky jute rug, leather with a patina, and unfinished woods will all do the trick!

It’s Perfect If You…

Are serious about design and the authentic curation of a home that highlights your unique identity and passions.

If your worst design fear is a room that’s boring and predictable (not that any of our designs would ever be such things), this mid-century style might be the look you’ve been searching for!

Atomic Industrial

For the final stop on our modern living room tour, let’s venture into a more austere side of the modern living room spectrum.

Meet Atomic Industrial, a look that combines mid-century roots with industrial design elements for an edgier take on the mid-century style.

The Key Elements

Mid-Century forms meet truly industrial furniture in this unique style. Look for darker finishes and textures and keep your styling extra minimal to really bring this look to life.

Comfortable and sturdy foundational pieces are your go-to’s. Look for sleek designs and avoid frills at all costs. Look for pieces that put their materiality on display and don’t hide what they are – iron, cement, and reclaimed wood are all great choices!

The color palette of choice for our Atomic Industrial style is heavily neutral. If you want to add a pop of color, try a bold paint color or some small accent pieces. Brass and gold metals are also a great way to warm up the look without changing the style.

It’s Perfect If You…

Feel at home in spaces with a darker palette, minimal styling, and industrial materials. If the “loft look” sounds like your style, this is the modern living room match for you.